[MiniCooperChick]

I don't get it.

I am not very hairy at all, naturally. Shaving my virtually hairless pits is not going to "expose" the skin, as it is already exposed. It's not like most of us are so hairy there's a rug growing in there!

Millions of men shave their faces daily and then apply "burning, stinging, dehydrating agents", does this contribute to an increase of throat cancer???

And then, cutting off the end of one's penis (can I say that here?) prevents disease, but merely brushing over the surface of the skin with a razor causes disease?

Your logic escapes me!

By the way, unlike the rest of the unshaven expatriates on this thread, I spent many years overseas due to my husband's job and lived in or visited many of the smelliest places on earth. Alot has to do with diet and hygiene, but I consider shaving an element of hygiene. Why should we expect people who don't even bathe to shave their pits and legs?

[olde north church]

Please don't take this as condescending, it's just easier reply in point by point form.
1. I could have probably used a better word than "expose".
The skin under the arm is extremely sensitive and shaving is both irritating and leaves microscopic cuts and nicks. It reduces the effectiveness of the skin as a barrier from foreign particles.
2. There isn't a cluster of lymph nodes directly under the skin where men shave. The lymph system is the secondary system, after the blood stream to carry fluids throughout the human body. When any cancer hits the lymph system, it's pretty much curtains.
3. I didn't say shaving causes diseases, I said it can be a factor. Much as if one walked through a sewer with an open sore.
4. Trans-dermal dermal delivery of a toxic biological or chemical agent is a very effective way to poison somebody. Quite a few deadly nerve agents can be transmitted that way.

[raybbr]

Alot has to do with diet and hygiene, but I consider shaving an element of hygiene.

American women are hygienic and American men aren't? By your logic.